Vermont will receive $82,126 as part of a national settlement

Vermont will receive $82,126 as part of a national settlement with Endo Pharmaceuticals entered into by other states and the federal government, to resolve civil allegations that Endo illegally promoted the drug lidoderm for conditions not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Endo unlawfully marketed lidoderm for use in connection with lower back pain or chronic pain, whereas the FDA had approved lidoderm only for the treatment of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia, more commonly known as “shingles.”

Endo’s unlawful marketing activity is alleged to have occurred between March 1999 and December 2007.

Under the terms of the civil settlement, Endo will pay a total of $172,916,967 to the states and federal government plus a $20,800,000 criminal fine.

Endo will also enter into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement and a Corporate Integrity Agreement with federal authorities.

Vermont’s share of the settlement will be returned to the Medicaid program to assist beneficiaries.